Charlotte’s New Light Rail
In keeping with Charlotte's cat theme (Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, CATS [Charlotte Area Transit System]), a new light rail, LYNX has become our new favorite means of transportation in the city! Connectivity is key (hence the name, LYNX) in getting the city's south end into the city during rush hours.
In November, 2007, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) began operation of the 9.6-mile LYNX Blue Line light rail, after having been under construction since February, 2005. The LYNX fleet includes sixteen Avanto light rail cars built by Siemens. The line extends from Uptown Charlotte southward to Pineville and runs almost parallel to I-77. Previously used by the Charlotte Trolley, a heritage streetcar operation that will run in tandem service with the LYNX trains beginning in spring 2008.
This model is patterned by those in Houston, Texas, and has also been ordered by the city of Portland, Oregon. Charlotteans have enthusiastically embraced the light rail after much ado about county expenditures to build the system. This was demonstrated by the opening month’s records of carrying over 9,000 passenger trips per day. CATS projects over 18,000 passenger riders by the year 2025. Visit Charlotte Center City Partners website for a LYNX interactive map.

photo by Jon Bell
Real estate surrounding the light rail stations has shown a boost in sales prices, contributing, once again, to Charlotte’s smart plans to maintain economic stability. Rush hour traffic and major sporting events in the Uptown area as well as concerts and other functions at the arena, are contributory to our much needed new light rail as well as its early success.

Photo by Todd Sumlin
The LYNX line has 15 stations, sharing its track with the Charlotte Trolley from the Atherton Mill station to the 7th Street station. The 9.6 mile opening phase is planned to expand to reach 36th Street by 2013 and I-485 at UNCC by 2018. With 14 stations planned, the corridor will be 14 miles long by 2018. Come ride the light rail and check out our beautiful city with me--we'll take a tour of some of our gorgeous homes while you're here!
About the author:
Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate, Certified Neighborhood and Relocation Specialist who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Charlotte, NC or any place in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice. Debe has created a team of professionals throughout the country to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition to your new area. These professionals are experts in the field of relocation and can serve many purposes beyond a simple home search. The destination service is of no cost to you! Please visit www.debemaxwell.com/ for your relocation and/or your local needs.
Debe Maxwell- HELEN ADAMS REALTY - 704.491.3310 - Debe@DebeMaxwell.com